Clinical characteristics of patients with mpox infection in the United Arab Emirates: a prospective cohort study

Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcome of mpox: A study of 381 cases in Saudi Arabia

Objectives

There are limited data on the clinical and epidemiological aspects of mpox in Saudi Arabia. This study investigates the characteristics of Mpox cases from May to September 2023.

Methods

A total of 381 cases of Mpox were included in this study, diagnosed based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory testing.

Results

The majority of mpox cases were males (91.1%), with a mean age of (±SD) of 32.4 (±8.3) years; 356 (93.4%) did not report travel, 277 (72.7%) denied engaging in extra-marital sex, and 379 (99.5%) were not linked to secondary cases. Fever was reported in 371 (97.4%), whereas headache was present in 314 (82.4%). Cough (1.3%) and conjunctivitis (0.5%) were rare. The most commonly affected areas in terms of lesions were the palms and soles (297 cases, 78%), followed by the genitals (206 cases, 54%), face (198 cases, 52%), and mouth (160 cases, 42%). Of the 1325 identified contacts, 1134 (85.5%) were hospital contacts, and 191 (14.5%) were community contacts, and 393 (29.6%) were high-risk contact. Of the high-risk contacts, 284 (72.3%) accepted post-exposure vaccination. The genotyped samples were all subclade IIb (formerly the West Africa clade).

Conclusions

This study provides valuable insights into mpox characteristics in Saudi Arabia. The genome of monkeypox virus belonged to subclade IIb of the West Africa clade. Further analysis of the global tree sublineage is needed.

Locally acquired mpox outbreak in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: clinical presentation, risk factors and preventive measures

A cluster of 16 locally acquired monkeypox cases in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with 10 cases reported engaging in sexual behaviour within 21 days prior to the onset of symptoms, all of whom had heterosexual contact with illegal partners within 1 week before the appearance of symptoms.

Assessment of Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes During the Global Mpox Outbreak in June 2022: A Cross-Sectional Study From the United Arab Emirates

Objectives: To examine knowledge, worry, anxiety, and vaccine acceptance for mpox among UAE adults. Methods: An online survey, advertised on academic and social media platform in June 2022 collected data from 959 participants (aged 18 and above) on mpox beliefs, risks, knowledge, worry, anxiety, COVID-19 infection, vaccination, and willingness to receive the mpox vaccine. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis identified associations and predictors between variables. Results: 56% had optimal knowledge of mpox transmission and symptoms. 54% were worried, and 27% experienced anxiety related to the outbreak. Knowledge scores were higher among women, healthcare workers, and those with reliable information sources. High perceived infection risk, changes in precautionary measures, and belief in difficult treatment predicted more worry and anxiety. Higher worry and two or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine predicted higher likelihood of taking the mpox vaccine. Conclusion: The UAE population showed low knowledge and high worry and anxiety during the global mpox outbreak. Increasing public awareness through targeted educational campaigns is vital. Promoting better understanding of infectious diseases, addressing concerns, and encouraging vaccine uptake can prepare for future outbreaks.

Clinical manifestations and outcome of Mpox infection in Qatar: An observational study during the 2022 outbreak

Mpox emerged in May 2022 as a global outbreak, mostly in hitherto non-endemic countries. To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of mpox in Qatar, data were retrospectively retrieved for all laboratory-confirmed mpox cases diagnosed in Qatar between May and November 2022. Twelve cases were identified; of which 10 were males, and the median age was 33.5 years (IQR 24.5-37.5). Recent sexual exposure was reported in 9 patients, 6 of which were outside Qatar. Seven individuals reported exclusive heterosexual contact. Pleomorphic skin lesions were present in all cases, with anogenital involvement in 11. Fever (7/12) and lymphadenopathy (4/12) were relatively common. All cases were HIV-negative. The majority of cases had an uncomplicated and self-limiting clinical illness. In conclusion, the majority of early mpox infections in Qatar were purportedly acquired through heterosexual contact, primarily among middle-aged men. The clinical course was mostly uneventful. In the absence of active case finding and the mild and self-limiting nature of the clinical illness, undetected community transmission cannot be ruled out.